The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
That’s probably one of the reasons that the annual Man and Woman of the Year event is so enthusiastically supported by everyone that volunteers to help in a variety of ways.
A case in point are the two co-chairs, Ana Vento, president of events of Vento Designs, and Matthew F. Sacco, vice president, Communications & Public Affairs, Sunrise Sports & Entertainment and the Florida Panthers Hockey Club.
Committed to philanthropy, Ana believes that when you give, you will always receive. She was the 2011 Woman of the Year. Matthew, named the 2012 Man of the Year, has been involved with LLS for the past three years, originally as part of Panthers record-breaking 2010 and 2011 Light the Night Campaigns.
The only people that work harder, perhaps, are those who are selected to campaign for ten weeks for the Man and Woman of the Year. Candidates run in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year, who are local blood cancer patient survivors and sources of inspiration to others. They are judged solely on the money they raise – every dollar raised counts as one vote!
The 17 candidates agree to utilize their leadership abilities and resources to conduct their own fundraising campaigns.
The male candidates are Ron Brandenburg, Broward Health Medical Center; Jonathan Brownfield, On the Ball Marketing; John DeShields, Riverstone Realty; Peter Kahn, Hardwired Marketing Group; Michael McNamara, Fab2Go; Andrew Paton, Dade Paper; Alex Pinelo, Norwegian Cruise Line; Robert Saunooke, Saunooke Law Firm; Jeremy Singer, Greenberg Traurig; Michael Wild, Wealth Family Protection Attorneys at Law; and Steve Ziff, Florida Panthers.
The female candidates are Ellen Bettridge, Silversea Cruises; Dr. Gena Bofshever, Dr. Gena Chiropractic; Anna Carello, Pine Crest School; Vanessa Goodis, Promo Moxie Marketing; Carlie Jabbour, Prudential Florida Realty; and Dr. Lisa Learn, Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon.
The ‘Grand Finale’ where the winners are announced will take place Saturday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Guests will enjoy cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing.
Another highlight of the evening will be meeting the two young people that are shining examples of why everyone pitches in.
The 2013 Fort Lauderdale Boy of the Year is leukemia survivor Nour. Remaining strong and vibrant throughout his treatment, he is now 10 and is in remission.
The 2013 Fort Lauderdale Girl of the Year is lymphoma survivor Amanda. After two years of aggressive treatment, Amanda is six years cancer free.
The Title Sponsor is Doctors Choice Pharmacy. Tables are $2,000 and sponsorships are available. Call Bich-ly Ludwig at (954) 744-5313 or [email protected].
